SOTA Guide - Nettle Creek Bald, W4C/WM-027

Drive Guide - Nettle Creek Bald from Atlanta

  • Duration: 3:00
  • Google Maps URL from Atlanta (33.917, -84.3378): http://goo.gl/maps/ZALRL
  • Seasonal/Limited Access:
  • Directions:
    • I-285 to I-85 North
    • I-985 to GA-365 to US-441 North. Follow US-441 as it turns/exits.
    • After you turn Left in Cherokee to parallel the river, it is 15.7 miles to the trailhead
  • Food
    • Last McDonalds:
    • Dinner

Drive Guide - Nettle Creek Bald from Cowee Bald

  • Duration: 1:50, 60 miles (actual 2014 drive time)
  • Google Maps: http://goo.gl/maps/VHp0e
  • Directions:
    • Head away from gate and go 1.3
    • Side road merges from R. Go straight 2.7
    • Side road merges from L. Keep R and go 2.5
    • S onto pavement and go 1.3
    • S on Leatherman Gap Rd and go 1.2
    • R on Cowee Creek Rd and go 1.5
    • S on NC-28 S and go 2.0
    • L on Sanderstown Rd (at Recycle Center) and go 3.2
    • L on US-441 N and go 14.4
    • S on US-74 W and go 7.4
    • Bear R on US-441 N and go 5.1
    • R on US-19 N and go 0.5
    • L on US-441 N and go 15.7
    • Park on Left. Small sign on L, “Thomas Divide Trail”

Drive Guide - Nettle Creek Bald from Clingman’s Dome

  • Duration: 0:25
  • Google Maps: http://goo.gl/maps/p6AqR

Trail Guide

  • Duration: 2.2 miles, 1:15 in, 1:00 out (comfortable); 1:05 in and 0:50 out really hurrying
  • Navigation
    • Follow Thomas Divide Trail south from the hairpin turn on US-441. (Leaves from behind the sign at the parking area)
  • Trailhead altitude: 4642
  • Summit altitude: 5180
  • GPS tracks/waypoints:
    • Trailhead: 35.58578,-83.39884
    • Summit: 35.5666, -83.3819

Summit Guide

  • Hang antenna from tree: yes
  • Space to guy mast: yes
  • Cell coverage: VZN=intermittent, AT&T not tested